Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Simple Knitted Wrap Vest Pattern

So you want a pattern.....well...er...um...we kinda don't have one. It was a "figure it out as we went process". But I am happy to share what we did.

Feel free to add input in any way what so ever. Knitting Patterns are not my strongest "thing" so prepare yourself for possibly the most unconventional pattern on the planet!!

Have a good look at it flat.....see....it should be easy. Its only a rectangle with a couple of splits. I am sure we could apply the following info to many stitches in knitting as well as crochet. This is really me "thinking out loud" but I can't see why not....its all about the "Gauge"

Grab your wool of choice and work out your GAUGE per inch. This is the number of stitches per inch that you...YOU knit. Do a test patch that incorporates a few inches so you can get your gauge correct. ie...if you work on 5 stitches per inch you need to double check this over 3 inches to equal 15 stitches...not 14 and not 16. This is Very IMPORTANT!! You need the exact stitch per inch for you to calculate how many stitches suit your measurement. If you do not do this your garment will be to large or to small. (this is not quoted, it is my interpretation of what she has taught me...If you do not understand this then order the book, you will not regret it)

So here goes the measurements : I'll give you mine to help with clarity

Measure your Bust : Mine is 41 inches = Length of wrapMeasure from the top of your shoulder to the pointy part of your hip bone : Mine 19 inchesAdd an additional 3 inches onto this measurement (this creates a collar affect) - 22 inches in total = WidthMeasure from the top of your shoulder into the pit of your arm pit - 8 inches = Arm Hole allowance (note : depending on the wool you use and the tight or loose stitch this may create more/less drop.)

Note : the arm hole sits centre to your work. I need a 8 inch arm hole so I am left with a remainder of 7 inches either side. (7x2=14+8=22 inches, total width.....clear as mud? Hope so!!!) Heres a picture to help (I was once employed to sell new homes so it kinda looks like a house plan but you get my drift. Click on the image to make it larger)

NOW you have established how many stitches per inch and the inches you need.......Cast on and PLAY as you go.

Start knitting the first front section. Once you have created the amount you desire (mine is 12.5 inches) start the arm hole. Cast off your 8 inches of stitches in the centre of the next row and then cast them back on, on the following row.

Off you go again.

You are now working on the back section. Stop knitting when you reach your desired back width (try it on, look in the mirror and ask a friend)...Mine is 16 inches...cast off your 8 inches again in the centre of the next row and cast those stitches back on in the following row.

Now you are onto the third section. Just keep knitting until you get the look you are after. Mine is a repeat of 12.5 inches.

This vest is very warm, it sits with 2 panels across your front. I use an additional pin to fix the "under panel" to my top so that it sits better. The 2 panels also create a larger bust. I don't mind this so much, but if you are "larger" you may need to be aware of the density that is created by 2 layers of knitting. I would personally love to see this in a tight knit lace weight for Spring and Autumn....It would look STUNNING!!

Heres the more formal bits and bobs : Lucky Nana Anne wrote down what she did!

ARM HOLE :* Knit 24, cast off 26, Knit 24Next Row :Knit 24 to reach cast off section, Break off yarn leaving a short end (10-12cm), join yarn to first stitch on left hand needle, cast on the missing 26 stitches then knit the remaining 24 stitches*

Continue your knitting for the back section until it measures approx. 16 inchesRepeat ARM HOLEThen knit for a further 12.5 inchesCast offSew in Ends

Phew...done...so if you have any questions, pop them in as a comment and I will attempt to answer them. If I can't, then I will give Nana Anne a ring or someone else maybe able to help us.

PLEASE UNDERSTAND that we are NOT fancy pattern writers, I haven't knitted this myself and I hope this does not cause distress to any yarnies.

FINE PRINT : GOODWILL PATTERN ONLY Please use this pattern for your own enjoyment. It is not for sale or distribution unless authorized by me. Thanks.

Feel free to add this link to your blog, there is no need to ask for permission. If you happen to have a go at creating this vest and blog about it, just throw me the link and I will add you on to the list below. Leonie xxx.

Two and Six Crochet Vest - Michelle has crocheted a beautiful vest and even written out the Pattern for you all....You MUST look at this one!!!

Myrtle & Eunice - Tania has whipped up a special crochet vest for her daughter and included a funky button...It's delicious!!

Foxs Lane - Kate has crochet hook has been flying at super fast speed to create a stunning blue/green version.

Little Brown Dog - Bec has made a Red blanket version with machine embroidery.....Amazing!

Histoire de soie - You just have to see this...Its Felted natural Merino Wool.....Sandrine...ITS BEAUTIFUL!!

Joyce Lives Here - Joyce has crocheted a vest, changing the pattern to create a larger collar for cooler weather....Its Stunning, well worth a look! UPDATE : Pattern and instructions for this version are now available, click here

Thank you SOOO much! Saw the vest while clicking through creative spaces from kootoyoo, and wondered if you would tell later what pattern you used. Had no idea it was your own! I sat down today to retrace my steps because I couldn't remember which blog I'd seen it on, thinking I'd bookmark it, on the off chance you would tell us the pattern. And you've done a whole tutorial and everything! Very generous. If I ever finish that jolly scarf, this is definitely my next project. Thanks again!

Must add this on my project list - after the proncess dress, the blanket, chocheted necklaces and pottery which are all started already. It's a rainy day anyway, should be able to finish something! Should stop blogging though...

Love this! Why did I have to see it today though? I have 2 projects on needles and am suppose to be testing a crochet pattern, but really want to try this vest. I love the look and the pattern is great. I can't wait to give it a try.

hi! Found your blog in kootoyoo creative space and had to check it out to see if you are from New Zealand (Raglan) and I love your blog! Its awesome! Will definately be saving you to my favourites. I love this knitted vest thing... I think it would be the first knitted garment other than hats, scarves and mitts I have ever been inclined to try!

Awesome, totally awesome. I made one, I love it, and can't wait for tomorrow to wear it. Will post more pics tomorrow in daylight. I would love to ask if I have your permission to post the changes that I made for a wider collar for my vest. I have linked to you from my blog. Thanks so much for this snuggly vest. I want to start another.

Leonie, I just finished your vest for my daughter. She says it is warm. I used Lion Brand's Cupcake in Blueberry and Marshmallow on 4.5 mm needles. I also used a backwards loop cast-on for the armhole so I didn't have to break any yarn. I have linked to your tutorial. It was a fun knit, thanks. Judy

I was given yarn for my birthday, last month, by non-knitters. It isn't enough for a sweater, unless I make one for a child, but I think there's enough for me to make this vest. I know your pattern's been out there for several years now, but it's darn attractive. And simple is good! So I started it this evening. I'm looking forward to seeing the self-striping nature of the yarn work itself out in the vest. Thanks!

Daughter wanted me to knit a wrap vest and I searched on line and found your blog. Thank you! It gave me confidence to fork out the cost of the Bendigo wool. Made it slightly differently - off centre for arm holes and top/bottom so it has a few options of how to wear. But all in plain. Gorgeous!

Cuppa & Cake is about living in the Australian bush with an old sewing machine, a set of knitting sticks and a ancient combustion oven. Outside, I rustle amongst the flower beds, vegetable patch and orchid. I have loads of fun with our free range kids and many trials and tribulations to share. If you would like to pull up a seat and enjoy Cuppa & Cake, then stay, you're more than welcome.